house sparrow

noun

1. a small, hardy, buffy-brown and gray bird, Passer domesticus, of Europe, introduced into America, Australia, etc.

house sparrow

noun

1. a small Eurasian weaverbird, Passer domesticus, now established in North America and Australia. It has a brown streaked plumage with grey underparts Also called (US)English sparrow

Word History and Origins

Origin of house sparrow¹

First recorded in 1665–75

Example Sentences

From this it seems to be very like the house sparrow; its plumage is, however, altogether lighter.

From Project Gutenberg

In Germany and England it is not so common as the house sparrow, for in some provinces it is never seen.

From Project Gutenberg

They live on seeds and insects like the house sparrow, and make their nests in hollows of trees.

From Project Gutenberg

This bird is smaller than the house sparrow, being only four inches and a half long.

From Project Gutenberg

This bird probably sometimes passes for a hen house sparrow; close inspection, however, reveals a yellow patch on the throat.

From Project Gutenberg